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A string of (clinical) pearls about drug-induced linear IgA disease
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 6, 2018 Linear IgA dermatosis patient with urticarial eruption of the trunk. ... Credit: ... JAAD The late sage Wallace Clark taught me that once a diagnosis is secured, thinking ceases. Admittedly in cases of drug-induced linear IgA dermatosis (DI-LAD) that I have encountered
Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, elected American Academy of Dermatology president for 2026
Rosemont, Ill. (April 1, 2024) – Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, has been elected to lead the American Academy of Dermatology. He will be installed as president-elect in March 2025 and hold the office of president for one year beginning in March 2026. ... As president, Dr. Alam
Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD, assumes presidency of the American Academy of Dermatology
DENVER, COLO. (March 27, 2026) — Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD, will begin his one-year term as president of the American Academy of Dermatology at the close of the AAD’s Annual Meeting. ... Dr. Alam will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society that represents more than
Session handouts and meetings archive
Handouts ... 2025 Innovation Academy, Chicago, IL, July 10-13 2025 Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 7-11 2024 Innovation Academy, Seattle, WA, August 1-4 2024 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 8-12 2023 Innovation Academy, Tampa, FL, August 10-13 2023 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 17-21 Sessions ... 2025 Innovation
CME & session evaluation archive
Claim CME & submit session evaluations ... Claim CME credit and submit session evaluations for attending previous Academy meetings: ... 2025 Innovation Academy, Chicago, IL, July 10-13 2025 Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 7-11 2024 Innovation Academy, Seattle, WA, August 1-4 2024 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 8-12 2023
Cyclosporine reaches the top of the SJS/TEN leaderboard
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 16, 2017 ... A, Sheet-like detachment, blisters, and raw erosions on back of patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. B, Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation accentuated in areas where detached epidermis was not left in situ. ... Credit: ... JAAD The first commentary in DI&I for 2017
The importance of spreading skin cancer awareness
From the President ... Dr. Alam is the Academy’s current president. ... By Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, May 1, 2026 Dear members, ... The Academy is dedicated to public education and takes its role as one of the largest sources of skin, hair, and nail health care information seriously. As
The importance of getting involved
From the President ... Dr. Alam is the Academy’s current president. ... By Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, April 1, 2026 Dear members, ... I would like to begin by thanking you for trusting me to serve as your president. We have important work to do this year, and I am
AADA hosts largest Capitol Hill skin cancer check in a decade
On May 15, the AADA hosted its 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health Fair with the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus. This event was our largest to date, hosting 198 Hill staffers and 11 members of Congress, performing 127 skin checks, and providing 75 Reveal camera image results.
What do the AAD's new non melanoma skin cancer guidelines say?
Acta Eruditorum ... Dr. Van Voorhees is the physician editor of ... Dermatology World . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Abby S. Van Voorhees, MD, February 1, 2018 In this month's Acta Eruditorum column, Physician Editor Abby S. Van Voorhees, MD, talks with
2026 AAD Annual Meeting: Plenary
Plenary ... Sunday, March 29 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join Academy leadership for the latest updates at the Annual Business Meeting, followed by president and president-elect remarks and recognition of this year's award recipients. ... Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD 2025 President, American Academy of Dermatology / Association
American Academy of Dermatology elects new officers, board members
Rosemont, Ill. (April 1, 2024) – The American Academy of Dermatology has announced the results of its annual election. The Academy’s new officers and board members will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 20,800 physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of
Outgoing chairs
The following chairs of Academy councils and committees completed their terms on March 31, 2026. ... Outgoing council and committee chairs ... Roopal Vashi Kundu, MD, FAAD ... Council on Communications ... Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD ... Academy Former Presidents Committee ... Klint Peebles, MD, FAAD ... Access to
Board of Directors
The Academy’s officers and board members lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 20,000 physicians specializing in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. ... Email the ... Board of Directors . ... Please note: The Academy cannot provide personalized medical
The rosy reality of coffee
Ronnie and me enjoying our rosacea prevention tour of Madrid in 2012 ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 5, 2018 To paraphrase Justice Kavanaugh, I loved coffee. I still love coffee. I have probably been drinking coffee since my time in utero. My mother was a coffee addict; she
Dyeing for a “new” topical agent for psoriasis? Think indigo
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 9, 2018 Despite the magnificent revolution of biologics for psoriasis, topical agents remain the cornerstone of treatment, either alone, or in combination with phototherapy or systemic treatments. Patients clamor for "natural" products and are increasingly steroid phobic (please see "Countering Corticophobia with Assistance from
What are keratoacanthomatous lesions of the legs in mature women?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 11, 2017 ... Right thigh, keratoacanthomatous atypical squamous proliferation. (Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnification: ×10.) ... Credit: ... JAAD I have an increasing number of patients asking me questions about proliferating keratoacanthoma-like lesions on their shins. "Why am I getting these? Are they cancer? Why
Does the JAK inhibitor baricitinib raise the bar on treating lupus?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 20, 2018 Cutaneous lupus in dermatomal distribution. Erythematous papules in a dermatomal distribution along the patient's left lower extremity. ... Credit: ... JAAD Undeniably, the JAK inhibitors have been at the forefront of advances in immunologically-based diseases, including alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis,
AAD/A Presidential citations
Congratulate award winners ... Use our online form to ... congratulate a Presidential Citation Award recipient . ... 2025-2026 Executive Committee Leadership ... Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD ... In recognition of your exemplary service as a 2025–2026 member of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Executive Committee, Board of
Our donors
We welcome this year's generous donors into the following giving societies and thank them for their commitment to advancing the programs and services of the Academy, especially those who have given consecutively for the past 5+ years. ... 1938 Legacy Society (Transformational gift) ... Bruce D. Glassman, MD, FAAD ...
Happy 4th of July from DI&I
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 3, 2018 George Washington contracted smallpox when he was 19 years old. Although he nearly succumbed to the disease, he survived with pockmark scars and life-long immunity. (1) He and other founders recognized the severity of smallpox and its threat to their independence and
AAD Event Advertising: Annual Meeting
The Academy's Annual scientific meeting offers unprecedented access to thousands of dermatologists attending high-profile continuing medical education events. ... For exhibitors looking to promote their products and services, build booth traffic, and facilitate face-to-face discussions, the Academy offers a wide selection of high-impact advertising opportunities. Look here for advertising opportunities
Joining forces
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Collaboration and diverse expertise strengthen clinical practice guidelines ... Collaboration and diverse expertise strengthen clinical practice guidelines ... By Jan Bowers, contributing writer Dermatologists look to the AAD’s clinical practice guidelines to serve as a roadmap for providing
Battling bugs...that aren't there
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Dermatologists embrace empathy, antipsychotics to help patients with psychocutaneous disease ... Dermatologists embrace empathy, antipsychotics to help patients with psychocutaneous disease ... By Jan Bowers, contributing writer Dermatologists are well equipped to diagnose and treat all manner of
Unrestricted fascination with restrictive dermopathy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 16, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 46 Barely a week into our fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania in 1984, my wife (a geneticist) asked her favorite dermatologist (me) if I had any thoughts about a neonate with skin that was thin, taut, and
In-office preparations
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Where will dermatology land after USP publishes its updated Chapter 797 standards for sterile compounding? ... Where will dermatology land after USP publishes its updated Chapter 797 standards for sterile compounding? ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor
The compounding conundrum
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... Dissecting the compounding guidelines that pit safety concerns against patient access ... Dissecting the compounding guidelines that pit safety concerns against patient access ... By Victoria Houghton, assistant managing editor In the fall of 2012, health officials and
Welcome to Dermatology World Insights and Inquiries
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 13, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 1 Keeping up with clinically relevant dermatologic literature has become an increasingly daunting task. The time constraints facing dermatologists (and all physicians) have multiplied, as have administrative demands, burdens of electronic records, etc., challenging even the most time-efficient, organized
Academy physician leaders meet with federal legislators
On June 4, AADA physician leaders met with legislators in Washington, D.C., as part of the House Call on the Mall fundraiser hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee and Rep. John Joyce, MD, FAAD (R-PA). During the event, AADA leaders reiterated the importance of Medicare physician payment reform. ...
American Academy of Dermatology installs new officers, board members
DENVER, COLO. (March 27, 2026) — Two new officers and four new board members will be installed upon the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. The officers and board members are all board-certified dermatologists and members of the AAD, the world’s largest dermatologic society
AADA hosts 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health Fair
Moving the needle ... By Apoorva Stull, Senior Manager, Advocacy Communications, May 1, 2024 DermWorld ... breaks down the latest highlights of AADA advocacy activities at the federal and state legislative and regulatory level. On May 15, the AADA hosted its 10th annual Capitol Hill Skin Cancer Check and Health
DermWorld
Exploring Spitz nevi in the molecular era Dermatopathologists discuss how to approach spitzoid lesions and how molecular testing can aid in assessing their potential malignancy. ... Taking the lead DermWorld shares stories of the Leadership Institute’s influence on dermatologists. ... Navigating the shifting reimbursement landscape DermWorld highlights the current state
Medical research funding
Ask the Expert ... By Victoria Houghton, managing editor, August 1, 2021 DermWorld ... spoke to Jennifer Mangone, JD, manager of congressional policy for the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), about the Academy’s advocacy efforts to support medical research funding. DermWorld: Advocating for medical research funding is a top
American Academy of Dermatology Issues First-Ever Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines, Highlighting Prevention Strategies and Effective Treatments
New evidence-based guidelines establish insufficient evidence or no benefit to dietary or environmental interventions ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 7, 2026) — For the first time in its history, the ... American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has published guidelines of care for both the ... prevention and ... management of atopic dermatitis
DI&I encore: Better than a back scratcher?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 30, 2017 The potential toxicity of the combination of topical ketamine/amitriptyline/lidocaine (TKAL) was discussed in a recent entry detailing the encephalopathic findings in an octogenarian Parkinsonian man with atopic dermatitis who was treated with the compound. I concluded: "As our therapeutic options for recalcitrant
Support resident education grants
The future is here. Our up-and-coming residents need your support to further their education for the care of tomorrow’s patients. Support of Resident Education will make that happen. Act now. ... Learn more about the grant Support Resident Education Grants ... Donate to support programs that help ensure the future
Becoming pro-geriatric by understanding progeria
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 13, 2018 A fifteen-year-old boy with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. ... Credit: ... JAAD I have never seen a case of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). You probably haven’t either, given its incidence of 1 in 4 million. Why comment on a disease that will likely
Not just for boys: X-linked erythropoietic protoporphyria
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 7, 2017 I was anxiously awaiting the results of erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels obtained from a 4 year-old boy who avoids sunlight because his "skin hurts" when not in the shade. Until I read the article by Balwani, et al (1), I was unaware of
What's hot?
What's hot ... December 30, 2017 In this monthly column, members of ... Dermatology World 's Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Annie Chiu, MD ... Body contouring is not only in demand among patients but presents a unique challenge for physicians to achieve consistent
A game of Jenga
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... How will the outcomes of the midterm elections affect health care policy? ... How will the outcomes of the midterm elections affect health care policy? ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor It seems like only yesterday the
Putting care into context
Go to AAD Home ... Go to AAD Home ... Menu ... New dermatopathology appropriate use criteria from ASDP help guide patient care ... New dermatopathology appropriate use criteria from ASDP help guide patient care ... By Jan Bowers, contributing writer A plethora of new diagnostic tests are enhancing the
Advocacy Update Feb. 4 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 4, 2025 Physician champions introduce Medicare physician payment fix in House Academy joins coalition urging less regulatory burdens in Medicare Advantage and Part D program AADA urges CMS to improve MVP framework Become an AADA Advocacy Key Contact Support dermatology champions in Congress through SkinPAC
From the editor
From the Editor ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld. By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, May 1, 2019 And to think I thought dermatology would be boring. I will be the first to admit that I was completely wrong. I never did a dermatology rotation as a
Taking the challenge: Social media, adolescents, and the skin
By Albert C. Yan, MD June 12, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 14 Patterned skin injury can raise the specter of non-accidental trauma. However, over the past decade or so, striking examples of patterned skin injury have emerged among adolescents and pre-teens that share certain features: these are self-induced voluntarily; the
Advocacy Update Dec 9, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Dec. 9, 2025 AADA endorses annual inflationary update to Medicare payment legislation Upcoming formulary prior authorization changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s federal employee coverage Podcast highlights advocacy on dermatopathology payer and regulatory challenges AMA offering $1 million in community health program grants Peter Friedman, MD,
Advocacy Update Feb. 18 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 18, 2025 AADA, house of medicine demand reversal of Medicare cut and provide a pay boost AADA highlights need for Medicare physician payment reform at House Committee on Ways and Means hearing Dermatology addresses new CLIA requirements for lab directors Legislators reject pharmacists’ effort to
Advocacy Update Mar. 18, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Mar. 18, 2025 AADA outraged that Congress passed government funding without doc fix AADA advocates for dermatologists in CLIA lab director requirements FDA testing confirms minimal benzene in most benzoyl peroxide acne products, some voluntary recalls issued Add your voice and become an AADA Advocacy Key
Dupilumab: The first year
By Warren R. Heymann, MD ... Jan. 8, 2018 A patient with severe atopic dermatitis has benefited from dupilumab. ... Credit: Warren R Heymann ... When introduced as dermatologist to a new acquaintance, I’m sure you have heard: "Dermatology is a great field — you don’t cure anybody, so
Looking back on a successful year
From the President ... Dr. Taylor is the Academy’s former president. ... By Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2026 Taking care of dermatologists so that they can take care of their patients...and their practices Dear members, ... It’s hard to believe that my term serving as your Academy
Surviving and thriving after a natural disaster
Answers in Practice ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, September 1, 2023 DermWorld ... talks to Mary Lupo, MD, FAAD, from the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology in New Orleans, about how to prepare your practice for a natural disaster. Mary Lupo, MD, FAAD ... DermWorld: Tell us
Glucose monitors: Not as sweet as they seem
By Christen M. Mowad, MD Oct. 9, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 31 ... The next contact allergen of the year has been announced early by the American Contact Dermatitis Society and it is an acrylate, isobornyl acrylate. (1) This chemical is a photopolymerizable monomer that has been used in industrial
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: Six decades of progress
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 3 Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a quizzical disorder. In 1965, Ise and Ofuji described the case of a 42-year-old woman who "repeatedly developed crops of small pustules on the face, the trunk,
The concept of atrophoderma of pasini and pierini as morphea may be falling off a cliff
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 6, 2017 ... Clinical photos of idiopathic atrophoderma of Pierini and Pasini. ... Credit: ... JAAD Diagnosing Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (APP) is reasonably straightforward — it usually presents in adolescents and young adults, more often in females, with sharply defined, single or
As molecular knowledge of PROS expands, lesions contract
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 19, 2018 PIK3CA patient showing hemifacial hypertrophy. ... Credit: ... JAAD Somatic activating mutations in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway manifest as heterogeneous segmental overgrowth phenotypes Historically, the clinical diagnoses in patients with PIK3CA activating mutations have included Fibroadipose Hyperplasia or Overgrowth (FAO), Hemihyperplasia Multiple Lipomatosis
Researching therapeutic reformation of the capillary malformation: Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 17, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 24 Small cutaneous lesions may have profound systemic implications. Astute dermatologists will recognize these lesions and assess patients accordingly, often to the surprise of referring physicians and patients alike. ... The Capillary Malformation – Arteriovenous Malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome was
December 5
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / December 5, 2018 ... USP update on access to buffered lidocaine Are you smarter than DataDerm™? What’s the latest on drug shortages? Identifying, treating rosacea in skin of color 2019 AAD
Dupilumab’s conjunctivitis conundrum
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 11, 2018 Having worn glasses since kindergarten, and being virtually helpless without them, I am particularly sympathetic to patients with eye disorders. ... Ocular disease in atopic dermatitis (AD) may manifest in a variety of ways. Conjunctivitis, a predisposition to keratoconus, and anterior subcapsular
Radical chik: Chikungunya fever presenting as a toxic epidermal necrolysis-like eruption
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 25, 2018 ... Chikungunya fever: morbilliform rash with islands of sparing. Photograph courtesy of Zawar Vijay, MD, Nashik, India. ... Credit: ... JAAD I have seen only one documented case of Chikungunya fever (CF), in a young woman who returned from Puerto Rico, presenting
Key messages to communicate about Indoor tanning
Key messages ... Using indoor tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. (1-15) ... Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase your chances of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk increases with each use. (16) ... Women younger
Clawing to understand lichen nitidus
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 5, 2018 Lichen nitidus: dermoscopic images. A, In the first patient, dermoscopic findings of the left plantar lesions revealed that linear scales in parallel (thick arrows) were discontinued by oval, well-defined depressions surrounded by ring-shaped, silvery white scales (thin arrows). Long axis of the
PD1 blockade: The next step for aggressive basal cell carcinomas?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 19, 2017 I was about to start the weekend, relishing that delightful TGIF feeling, with one final task — go through lab reports in my bin. My mood became morose when I read the follow-up letter about Sue (not her real name). She
COVID-19 dermatology registry
Thank you for agreeing to take part in this important effort on behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology and the International League of Dermatologic Societies. Our hope is that information you and others provide will help us understand dermatologic manifestations of the COVID-19 virus, as well as skin reactions
Key messages for social media about nails and nail health
Key messages ... Our nails often reflect our general state of health. Changes such as discoloration or thickening can signal health problems, including liver and kidney disease, heart and lung conditions, anemia, and diabetes. ... Changes in color, shape, and/or thickness, swelling of the skin around the nails, bleeding or
Hand-wringing over the histology of mechanic’s hands and other cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 23, 2018 Dermatomyositis. Erythematous papules overlying the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints (Gottron papules). ... Credit: ... JAAD Of all the cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM) — the heliotrope rash, Gottron’s papules, Gottron’s sign, shawl sign, holster sign, flagellate erythema, photosensitivity, poikiloderma, periungual erythema, periungual
Voriconazole prophylaxis mandates cutaneous prophylaxis – and communication
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 28, 2017 The utilization of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasing dramatically. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 92,784 procedures were performed between 2010 and 2014. ... Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation HSCT remain
The profound dermatological manifestations of COVID-19: Part II
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 25, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 12 Disclaimers: This commentary was written on March 17, 2020 for a publication date of March 25, 2020. The issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing like lightning. The content included in this commentary may no longer be
Coming to terms with Louis Brocq and his diagram: Pityriasis lichenoides 2018
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 16, 2018 ... A and B, Pityriasis lichenoides chronica–like drug eruption. The lower legs show several, 3- to 4-mm, red-brown, thin papules with centrally adherent micaceous scale and intermixed erosions. ... Credit: ... JAAD As a first-year dermatology resident in 1980, I struggled with
Biotin supplementation for hair and nail health: Does it pass the test?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD November 17, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 46 When patients ask me about biotin supplementation for their hair or nails, the usual question is what dose they should take, not whether or not it has any value. High dose over-the-counter biotin supplements (≥ 5 mg/day,
After 23 years, a syndrome converted me into an eflornithine believer
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 12, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 28 I learned that Vaniqa (eflornithine - ... α -difluoromethylornithine [DFMO]) was discontinued. Topical eflornithine was released in 2000 to reduce facial hirsutism. When the drug was released, I recall being fascinated by the premise of its mechanism.
Positively perplexing: Determining the meaning of CD30 positivity
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 29, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 39 I’ll wager that most readers of DWI&I have experienced receiving a biopsy report, obtained from an inflammatory lesion, stating "scattered CD30+ cells were observed," accompanied by a comment that "clinicopathologic correlation is necessary to rule out the
Getting a head up on cutaneous scalp malignancies
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 7, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 18 I’m confident that your alopecic patients with a suspected keratinocyte carcinoma or melanoma of the scalp jokingly ask you to be careful with your biopsy procedure so they do not lose any more hair. While patients and
Lipschütz ulcers: Not only for women
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 24, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 12 Superstar dermatologists do not throw softball questions to presenters at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. A few years ago, following my presentation on the cutaneous manifestations of Epstein-Barr infection, Dr. Jeffrey Callen, one of
JAK inhibitors battle in the heavyweight class
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 12, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 45 Editor’s Note: A modified version of this commentary appeared as "A Clinician’s Perspective" in JAAD ... . JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have catapulted to such prominence in dermatologic therapeutics that I could write a weekly commentary about them.
Keeping up is hard to do: The need for true grit
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 5, 2017 One of the daunting challenges in practicing dermatology (or any branch of medicine) is keeping abreast of advances in the literature to optimize patient care. As a clinician-educator, I have always had an interest in how we learn best. For full disclosure,
Targeted anti-complement therapy may prove to be a complementary treatment for bullous pemphigoid
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 7, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 40 It is not my imagination — I have been seeing more cases of bullous pemphigoid (BP) than ever. This is likely a function of an aging population in concert with an increase of drug-induced cases, notably with dipeptidyl
Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Interfering with interferon
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 17, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 33 Disfigurement due to scars and dyspigmentation complicating discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) can be devastating. The cornerstones of therapy for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are steroids (topical, intralesional, systemic) and antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, quinacrine). Secondary agents include immunosuppressive
Reflections on reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosing benign lichenoid keratoses
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 5, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 27 At the inception of my dermatology residency in July 1980 I read a brief article entitled "Benign Lichenoid Keratosis" (BLK) by Detlef Goette (1) and thought to myself "Remember this — I’ll probably see this lesion now
The pressure to prevent pressure ulcers
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 24, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 34 Pressure ulcers (PUs, aka decubitus ulcers, pressure sores, bed sores) are due to prolonged pressure, characteristically over bony prominences such as the sacrum, occiput, ischial tuberosities, greater trochanters, heels, and lateral malleoli. (1,2) Interestingly, in the COVID-19
The woolly culprit: Lanolin revealed as an uncommon cause of dermatitis on normal skin
By Christen Mowad, MD, FAAD Nov. 15, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 46 Excitement surrounding the "Allergen of the Year" may only be truly appreciated by those immersed in the field of contact dermatitis and patch testing, but each year the announcement is met with enthusiasm from the wider dermatology specialty.
The nexus of VEXAS syndrome
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD December 1, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 47 You may not be familiar with VEXAS (Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic) syndrome, but it is conceivable that you have already unknowingly encountered patients with the disorder. ... To appreciate the clinical nuances of the VEXAS
Tag, you’re it!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 28, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 39 Chances are you will see a patient with skin tags today. ... Patients will likely ask you two questions: Why do I get them? What do you mean my insurance won’t cover their removal (for asymptomatic lesions)?
Recognizing toxic epidermal necrolysis-like acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus ASAP
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD November 10, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 45 ASAP, the well-recognized acronym for "as soon as possible," takes on special significance for dermatologists confirming the diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). In 2004, Ting et al introduced an alternative definition of the ASAP acronym —
Further dermatologic observations in cystic fibrosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 6, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 31 Watson: And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours. Holmes: Quite so. You see, but you do not observe... – Sherlock Holmes in "A Scandal in Bohemia" (1891, written by Sir Arthur Conan
Which treatment modality of pyogenic granuloma is worth its weight in salt?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 31, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 31 I get palpitations with every pyogenic granuloma (PG) I encounter. Even though the clinical diagnosis is instant, my personal Jiminy Cricket dermatologist reminds me not to miss an amelanotic melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or cutaneous metastasis. If
Necrobiosis lipoidica in a Wink
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 3, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 18 Ninety years have transpired since Urbach coined the term ... necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) for the granulomatous disorder first described by Oppenheim in 1929 as ... dermatitis atrophicans lipoidica diabetica . (1) Early authors observed sclerotic plaques
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: Tapinarof is taking off
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 19, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 46 In his outstanding lecture identifying drivers of lupus, presented at the 2025 meeting of the Medical Dermatology Society, Jaehyuk Choi MD, PhD, explained that interferon — the well-known nemesis of lupus — controls the production of T
Teatime for radiation dermatitis (and beyond)
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD June 14, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 24 I am biased — as a coffee lover, I only believe articles demonstrating coffee’s benefits, while finding flaws in any study deriding its use. I can be more objective about tea — especially green tea — a
The expanding horizon of anti-IL-36 therapy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Sept. 25, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 39 An abridged version of this commentary was published in "A Clinician’s Perspective" in the April 2024 issue of the JAAD ... . We last explored the relationship between IL-36 and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and the use
Reflections on infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion and Hippocrates
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 29, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 22 Patient safety and quality improvement have been at the forefront of medical care since the publication of "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" by the Institute of Medicine, which estimated that as many as
Fighting for patient access
Getting involved in grassroots advocacy is critical to the future of dermatology and patient care. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, February 1, 2026 There is no elephant in the room. Medicare physician payment and scope of practice are perennial problems that can have a direct impact
Cycling back to doxycycline’s roots as therapy for bullous pemphigoid
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 26, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 30 Patients with moderate to severe bullous pemphigoid are usually treated with systemic corticosteroids. Four patients were treated with tetracycline hydrochloride and niacinamide because of the steroid-sparing anti-inflammatory properties of these agents. An excellent clinical response free of
Exchanging plasma exchange for a novel approach: The potential of FcRn antagonists in dermatologic autoimmune disease
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 1, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 44 Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are potentially life-threatening disorders demanding aggressive therapy with all the finesse and skill that dermatologists can muster. PV is characterized by IgG autoantibodies targeting desmoglein (Dsg)‐3, which is associated with
Choosing wisely: Recommendations about treatments, tests, and procedures
The ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely ... ® ... campaign is focused on encouraging physicians and patients to talk about medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary, and in some instances, can cause harm. To join, a medical society must provide expert guidance on five medical tests or treatments commonly used in its field.
Indoor tanning fact sheet
Indoor tanning use ... The global prevalence of indoor tanning in adolescents for 2013-2018 was 6.5%, and 10.4% in adults. (1) ... Though the numbers have been decreasing in recent years, approximately 7.8 million adults in the U.S. still engage in indoor tanning. (2,3) ... Among high school students in
Professionalism and Ethics
Ethics and medicine have been intertwined since the dawn of our profession. From the ancient Hippocratic Oath to the principle of ... primum non nocere to modern-day principlism, medical ethics have evolved over time. ... As public and professional interest in medical ethics increases, it is important for clinicians, researchers,